Current-translating mechanism



Feb. 17, 1931. H, GREENEWALT 1,793,284

CURRENT TRANSLATING MECHANISM Filed April 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR WITNESSES:

I Mar Ha/lock Greenewd/Z xw 1w 4 2M. WM

ATTORNEY Feb. 17, 1931. GREENEWALT 1,793,284

CURRENT TRANSLATING MECHANISM Filed April 26, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 A56 52 J4 53 A55 5 7 wwNEssEs; 69 l INVENTOR M vy fiwi ocl G/"e ewe "W5 ATTQR R E Y Feb. 17, 1931. M. H. GREENEWALT 1,793,284

CURRENT TRANSLATING MECHANISM Filed April 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 WITNESSES:

v WVENTOR Mary Hd/Mck Gre /7e wa/z ATTBR NEY Feb. 17, 1931. M. H. GREENEWALT 1,793,284

CURRENT TRANSLATING MECHANISM v I WITNES.SES: |NVENTOR @Zz Mary fid/mc/rGree/ve wa/z BY M j/W@Q Patented Feb. 17, 1931 MARY HALLOCK GREENEWALT, 0F PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA CURRENT-TRANSLATING MECHANISM Application fi1ed.Apri1 26,

My invention relates to means for controlling electric energy and particularly to switch mechanisms therefor. One object of my invention is to provide a switch mechanism comprising a plurality of plural contact, fluid connector switches and means for actuating the same serially, said actuating means being under the volitional manual control of an operator.

Another object of my invention is to provide a switch mechanism having means for limiting the operation of the actuating means in either direction of operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a relatively simple and compact switch mechanism of the fluid connectortype that may be manually or motor operated and permit of controlling relatively large amounts of electric energy by a relatively small num her of switches, clear, beautiful in appearance so that concealing it is not necessary if not desired, and carrying within itself the safety element that when a switch is broken through overloading it constitutes a safety fuse.

A further object of my invention is to provide an automatic means for controlling an actuating motor, as a counterpart of the volitional manual control of the operator.

In practicing my invention I provide a plurality of tubes of electric-insulating material, each having a plurality of terminal members extending into the same and containing a qpantity of electric-conducting fluid, that are pivotally mounted on a suitable frame. A shaft is rotatably mounted in the frame and actuated either manually by means of a crank handle or by an electric motor that is under the volitional control of an operator or its automatic counterpart. Means are provided on each of the tubes for operatively engaging the screw threads to be given a turning movement thereby. They. are also severally provided with means for initiating the engagement of the successive tubes with the screw threads and with means for being held in their limiting positions. The switch actuating means is provided with means for de-energizing the motor to limit the operation thereof in either direction, and with means for auto- 1924. Serial n5. 709,283.

matically de-energizing the motor when certain eifects are in automatic play.

In a modified form of device embodying my invention I provide a plurality of tubes of substantially annular shape, each having a plurality of spaced contact members extending into the same and partially filled with a suitable electric-conducting fluid. Each annular tube is secured on a suitable mounting means, which has operatively associated therewith a set of teeth; All of the annular tubes are loosely mounted in spaced relation on a suitable supporting shaft. A motor driven shaft extends parallel to and spaced from the supporting shaft and has mounted thereon a plurality of pinions that are adapted to mesh with and actuate the annular tubes serially.

Inbothforms of device embodying my invention the first plural contact fluid connector tube is not permitted to become operatively disconnected from the driving means.

I provide a motive power for actuating the switch mechanism that is preferably an electric motor under the volitional manual control of an operator as to speed and direction of operation. I also provide an automatically operating motive power control means comprising a member of cam shape that is actuated by the switch mechanism and that is effective to vary the speed of the motive power in any predetermined sequence.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a view, in front elevation, of a switch mechanism embodying my invention,

Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof,

Fig. 3 is a view; in end elevation, of a fluid connector tube and a supporting member therefor,

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a control system comprising a part of my invention,

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a ditferent method of control comprising apart of my invention,

Fig. 6 is a diagram of connections of a motive power employed with the device embodying my invention,

Fig. 7 is a diagram of connections of a plurality of light sources adapted to be congear wheel having only a partial skeleton framework 24. The step bearingtrolled by a device embodying my'invention,

Fig. 8 is a partial view of a device embodying my invention illustrating a modificatio-n thereof,

Fig. 9 is a view, in side elevation, with parts cut away of an automatic motive power controlling device,

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a modified form of device embodying my invention,

Fig. 11 is a view, in end elevation thereof:

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, I provide a vertically extending shaft 21, the lower end of which is located in a suitable step bearing 22 which is, in turn, secured to a base member 23 of a 22 is secured to the member 23 by a plurality of machine bolts 25. The shaft 21 is provided with a plurality of screw threaded sections 26, 27, and 28, the screw threads whereof are relatively deep and are preferably square. The hereinbefore mentioned screw threaded portions or sections are separated by portions of the shaft 21 having no screw able cap member 37 and has an'opening therethrough to receive the upper plain end 38 of the shaft 21 and permit rotation there of. The member 34 is provided with a substantially similar cap 39,- while the members 35 and 36 have cap members 41 and 42 asso ciated therewith respectively. All of the cap members are bolted against the outer end portions of the respective horizontal portions by a plurality of bolts 43 While the cap member 37 co-operates with the outer end of the member 33 to constitute a bearing for the upper end of the shaft, the other cap members do not necessarily constitute bearing members and the openings therethrough may be slightly larger than the {external diameter of the shaft at those places. i

A worm gear 44 is secured to the lower end of the shaft 21 immediately above the step bearing and is operatively engaged by a worm 45 that may be turned manually by means of a crank handle, not shown, or may be mounted on the outer end. of the shaft of an electric motor 46 which is, in turn, bolted against the upper surface of the member 23.

p The members 33, 34, 35, and 36 are spaced :1 suitable distance apart to permit of mounting between respective pairs of these members, a plural contact, fluid connector switch comprising an elongated and evacuated tube 47 of a suitable electric-insulating material, such as glass or quartz. The tube 47 is mounted against one side of a bar 48 of a suitable electric-insulating material such as asbestos lumber or bakelite. Suitable clamping straps 49 and 51 may be employed to hold the tube 47 against its supporting plate 48. The tube 47 has a plurality of contact terminals 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 extending into the same, the outer ends thereof being connected to suitable contact terminals that are mounted on'the plate 48 immediately above the tube 47 substantially as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings. A quantity 57, of a suitable conducting fluid such as mercury, is placed within the tube which may either be evacuated, or may be filled with a.suitable gas or gases that are adapted to prevent as far as possible, the formation of sparks or arcs during the operation of the switch, or surface oxidation of the conducting fluid.

A plurality of flexible conductors may be employed to connect the terminals on the bar 48 to fixed contact terminals mounted on a plate of electric-insulating material (not shown) that is, in turn, secured against the skeleton framework, or, if desired, a supply circuit conductor and a plurality of conductors connecting the terminals on the bar 48 to the light sources to be controlled, may be employed. 'As either of these constructions may be employed in accordance to the particular conditions and as such details are tically extending member 32. A spring member 59 that has one end connected to the face of the member 33. A lug 61 is secured to the lower end of a spring member 62, the upper end, of which is suitably secured against a projecting upward shoulder at the front end of the plate 48, a'spring 63being provided atthe lower end of the member 62 to press the lug 61 outwardly from the plate 48.

Means for holding the switch member in its fully operative position comprises a resilient member 64, of substantially U-shape, that is secured to the upper surface of the member 34 where it may be engaged by a suitably shaped lug 65 that is mounted on the rear surface 'of the plate 48.

A substantially similar switch member scribed in connection with the uppermost switch are the same, I have not thought it necessary to describe or number the respective switches in detail and have also illustrated them in different positions. Whereas the uppermost switch is shown in its fully operative position, the intermediate switch memher is shown in its intermediate position, while the lowermost switch is illustrated as in its normal inoperative position.

Means are provided on all switch members except the lowermost one for initiating the actuation of a successive switch and this means comprises a lug 66 that is suitably secured against the lower edge or face of the plate 48 and that is adapted to extend through an opening 67 in the supporting member substantially as illustrated in the upper part of Fig. 1.

Suitable means (not shown) may be provided to serve as guide members for the forward end of the switch. supporting bars 48, 18a. and 48b in their turning movement to "prevent any movement laterally thereof as a result of the friction between the screw threads and the lugs 61. I

lVhile I have illustrated a switch mechanism comprising three plural contact fluid connector switches, I do not wish to be limited to this particular number as any suitable number of such switches may be employed and be operated serially or successively in a manner to be hereinafter set forth in detail. While I have illustrated a switch provided with five terminal contact members, may employ any number of such contact .erminals as may be found possible to embody or associate with such a switch, or as may be found desirable.

The upper end of the shaft 21 projecting through the upper bearing hereinbefore described is reduced in diameter as indicated by the numeral 68 and has mounted thereon a suitable pinion 69. The pinion 69 meshes with a gear wheel 71 that is mounted on a short shaft 72, that is rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the member A. pinion 73 is mounted on the shaft 72 and meshes with a gear wheel 74 that is loosely mounted on a short shaft 75 mounted on and supported by the member 33. A measuring instrument suitable to the various usages to which the switch mechanism may be put is secured on the upper end of the shaft 75 and has a suitable scale marked thereon. This scale is indicated generally only by the numeral 77 in Fig. 2 of the drawingsand may be, when usedin conjunction with illuminatiommarked with the number of light sources to indicate by the turning movement of the gear wheel 74%, and more particularly by the position of a pointer T8 provided thereon, the number of light sources energized at any time during the operation o the switch mechanism.

hfeans for hunting the turning movement of the shaft 21 in either direction of operation comprise two limit switches 79 and 81 that are supported on the upper surface of the member 38. Each of the limit switches comprise a fixed contact terminal 82 and a movable contact that is carried by a spring arm 88, both the fixed contact terminal and the movable contact terminal being suitably insulated from the metal member 33. The

' two limit switches are located in oppositely spaced positions relatively to each other and are adapted to be engaged by a pin 84 that extends through the gear wheel 74L at both sides thereof, one of the limit switches being located above the upper face of the gear wheel 74, while the other limit switch is located below the gear wheel.

In Fig. 6 of the drawings I have illustrated a diagram of connections for a motor 16, which is here shown asja shunt wound direct current motor in order to more clearly describe its control, although of course any suitable or desired type of motor may be em ployed. Suitable supply circuit conductors 85 and 86 are connected'to the fixed terminals of a twopole double throw switch 87. A fixed terminal member 88 at the right hand side of the switch 87 is connected to one terminal of the armature of the motor 46 through one of the limit switches, for example limit switch 79. A second terminal 89 is connected to a pivotally mounted lever 91 that is secured against the under surface of a table which may be a light player console top 92, a spring member 93 being provided to yield ingly hold the lever 91 in its inoperative position. An actuating button 94 is secured to the free end of the lever 91 and extends through the top 92 to permit an operator to efiect a turning movement of the lever 91, whereby part or all of a resistor member 95 may be cut out of the circuit of the armature of the motor 46. The second limit switch 81 is connected between the contact terminal 89 and a diagonally opposite stationary contact terminal 96. second stationary contact terminal. 97 is located at the left hand side of the switch and is electrically connected to the same terminal of the motor armature as is the switch terminal 88.

The general construction of the switch and of the electrical connections of the same with the manually controlled resistor 95is such that the motor will rotate in a predetermined direction when the contact bridging members of the switch 87 operatively engage the terminals 88 and 89 respectively. The speed of rotation of the motor is determined by the amount of resistance cut out of the circuit of the armature of the motor, and the duration of its operation is determined by the length of time during which the operator depresses the lever 91. When the contact hridging members of the switch 87 are moved in the opposits direction so that the contact terminals 96 and 97 are engaged, the motor runs in the opposite direction at a speed that is in accordance with the amount which the lever 91 is depressed.

While I have illustrated, in Fig. 1 of the drawings, a single set of switches, I may employ plural sets of switches and I have illustrated two such switches actuated substantially simultaneously in Fig.- 8 of the drawings. I have there illustrateda double frame, the left hand frame being substantially the same as the right hand frame and comprising a vertically-extending side member 98, a horizontally extending upper member 99 and a lower member 101. The inner ends of therespective members 34, 35, 99, and 101 are enlarged in substantially the same manner as is shown for the member 33 in Fig. 2 of the drawings, and these ends are held together in proper operative position by a plurality of machine bolts 102. A second switch member 103,

hand side of the shaft 21.

comprisingatubularmember47 and a supporting plate 48, is mounted in opposed relation to the first switch member located at the right As the construction and operation of the switch member 103 is substantially the same as for those hereinbefore described, it is not deemed necessary to further describe it in detail. The left hand v frame is substantially a duplicate of the right hand frame hereinbefore described and more particularly illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings. While I have shown only a portion of the switch mechanism in Fig. 8, the construc- E- tion of the entire device will be evident thereor desired number of such switches may be employed. For instance, by providing three skeleton frames spaced equi-distantly in a horizontal plane around the shaft 21, I am enabled to mount three such switches instead of two as illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings. Similarly by providing four skeleton frames equi-distantly spaced I may mount four such switches and actuate them substantially simultaneously. This construction permits of increasing the capacity of the switch mechanism by the simple expedient of increasing the number of fluid connector switches that are actuated substantially simultaneously. One motor may actuate a plurality of such switch mechanisms whereby if the mechanism be used for that purpose the illumination of parts of an auditorium may bev simultaneously con trolled.

In Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings I have illustrated a modified form of device embodying my invention, in which I employ fluid connector tubes of substantially annular form instead of the elongated form hereinbefore described. A base plate 104 has mounted thereon a pair of spaced bearing members 105 and 106 that support a shaft member 107. The shaft member 107 has mounted thereon a plurality of annular tubes 108, 109, and 111 that are substantially identical in construction. Each of the tubes 108, 109, and 111 comprise an annulus of a suitable electric-insulating material, such as quartz or glass, that has a plurality of spaced contact terminals 112 extending into the tube through the outer peripheral surface thereof. As all of the terminal members are of the same construction I have designated them by the same number. I have illustrated eight such terminal members spaced substantially equi-distantly from each other and extending overslightly more than ninety degrees of the periphery. A quantity 113 of a suitable conducting fluid, such as mercury, is 10- cated within the respective annular tubes and may be just sufiicient to fill substantially one half the interior of the tube.

Each of the annular tubes is clamped between two cooperating plates 114 and 115 that are each of substantially circular shape, and are held together by a plurality of machine screws 116. Therespective plates 11.4 and 115 are provided with a groove in their opposing outer edges that is of such diameter as to receive the annular tubelined with a protecting material and to hold it tightly between the two plates. The annular tubes, together with the supporting plates, are loosely mounted on the shaft 107 and are held in spaced relation by pairs of collars 117 and 118 that are secured on the shaft in any suitable manner. The annular tubes are therefore free to turn on the shaft but are prevented froin longitudinal movement relatively thereto. v

The annular tube 108 has a gear wheel 119 operatively associated therewith by being suitably secured against the outer surface of the plate 115, while the tube 109 has a gear wheel 121 operatively associated therewith, and the tube 111 has aQgear wheel 122 associated therewith. The tubes therefore turn with the respective gear wheels.

A second shaft 123 is supported in a plurality of bearing members 124 and 125 on the base 104 and is alined substantially parallel to the shaft 107. A worm, gear wheel 126 is mounted on the shaft 123 adjacent to one end thereof, and is operatively engaged by a worm 127 that is mounted on the outer end of theshaft of -a suitable driving motor 128 which is, in turn, mounted on a supporting base 129 located on the base plate 104 in order that it may be located properly relatively to the worm gear wheel-126. Collars 131 are secured to the shaft 123 outside of the bearing members 124 and to prevent any longitudinal movement of the shaft in its bearings. A plurality of pinions 132, 133, and 134 are secured to the shaft 123 and are so located that under the proper conditions of operation they may mesh with the gear wheels 119, 121 and 122 respectively. Each of the hereinbefore described gear Wheels is provided with teeth over a portion of its periphery, for a purpose to be hereinafter described in detail.

The flexible lead wires from the respective contact terminals of the tubes 108, 109, and 111 extend to stationary contact terminals mounte on terminal boards 185, 136, and 137 respectively, the contact terminals mounted thereon being so constructed as to permit of conductors indicated by the numeral 138 to be connected thereto.

A limit switch 189 is provided in such lo.- cation as to be operated by a member 141 that is mounted on the plate 114 associated with. the annular tube 108 and is effective to open the energizing circuit of the motor 128 when the tube 108 has been given a turning movement in a clockwise direction asviewed from the right hand end of the shaft 107 and it is desired to terminate the turning movement thereof. A similar limit switch 142 is mounted on the bearing member 105 and is actuated by a pin 143 that is carried by the gear wheel 122. The limit switch 142 is effective to limit the operation of the motor in causing a turning movement of the gear wheel 122 in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed from the right hand end of the shaft 107.

In actual operation the turning movement of the gear wheel 119 and therefore of the tube 108 is terminated while the pinion 132 is still in mesh with the teeth of the gear wheel 119. The turning movement of the gear wheel 122 in a counter-clockwise direc tion is terminated while the teeth thereof are still. in mesh with the pinion 184. ldeans for initiating the operation of the gear wheel 121 are constituted by a pin 144 mounted on the gear wheel 119 and effective to operatively engage a pin 145 carried by the gear wheel 121. Means for initiating the operation of the gear wheel 122 is constituted by a pin 146 carried by the gear wheel 121 and effective to engage a pin 147 carried by the gear wheel 122. The terminal boards 136 and 137 carry resilient members 148 and 149 respectively which normally engage the pins 145 and 147 respectively, and yieldingly hold the gear wheels 121 and 122 in their normal .inoperative positions wherein no circuit is energized through the respective fluid connector switch tubes 109 and 111, and which also hold the gear wheels 119 and 121 respectively in their fully energized or operative positions.

Referring more particularly to the device illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the respective plural contact fluid connector switches are illustrated in three different positions; the uppermost switch is shown in its fully energized position, the second switch is shown in a partially energized position, and

direction is continued only enough to interrupt the circuits that are established thereby and therethrough without permitting the member 61 to be disengaged from the screw threads of the portion 26. This is for the reason that when the shaft 21 isactuated in such direction as to cause a turning movement of the uppermost switch in a counter clockwise direction on its pivotal support, no

means is provided to effect operative engagement of the lug 61 with the screw threads of the portion 26 and hence the lug 61 must remain in engagement with the screw thread-- ed portion.

If it be assumed that the switch 87 illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings be tilted to the right to engage the terminals 88 and 89 to effect a turning movement of the tube 47 of the uppermost switch in a clockwise direction, the pin 84 willfinally engage the limit switch 7 9 and actuate the same to de-energize the motor, thereby preventing further rotation of the driving shaft 21. By moving the reversing switch 87 to its second operative position wherein the terminals 96 and 97 are engaged, the motor is energized to run in the opposite direction and the limit switch 79 is then immediately permitted to reclose.

hen the motor 46 is energized to actuate the shaft 21 to effect a turning movement of the switches in a counter clockwise direction and the uppermost switch has reached a position that is somewhat lower than that illustrated by the intermediate switch in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the depending lug 66 secured to the supporting plate 48 engages the top of the second or successive switch bar 48a and pushes it downwardly until the member 61 operatively engages the screw-threaded portion 27. The turning movement of the uppermost switch continues until the member 61 thereof occupies substantially the position illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings when the lug 65 operatively engages the resilient holding means 64, and the uppermost switch is held in substantially the position shown in the drawings. The intermediate switch is given a turning movement on its hinge by the continued actuation of the shaft 21 and when the lug 66 carried by it operatively engages the upper edge of the supporting 'bar 48?), the latter is given a preliminary turning movement tin a counter clockwise directionuntil the lug 61 carried .ing and substantially horizontal position.

The turning movement of the lowermost switch is continued until it is in almost hor izontal position, with the member 61 still fitting within the screw threads of the portion 28. The limit switch81 is so located as to be actuated by the pin 84 to prevent further turning movement of the lowermost switch, thereby ensuring that when the motor operation is reversed, the lowermost switch is immediately ready for operation in the reverse direction.

If the motor 46 is energized to cause a turning movement of the switches in a clockwise direction, the lowermost switch 47 b is actuated first and in its upward movement the top of the bar 48?) engages the end of the lug 66 of the bar 4804 and 'eifects disengagement of the lug 65 on the bar 48a from its co-oper ating resilient holding means. At the same time the lug 61 on the bar 48a engages the screw threads of the portion 27 whereby a further continuous turning movement of the switch 47a is effected. The top of the bar ultimately engages the lug 66 on the bar 48 and the same sequence of operations is effected as was hereinbefore described for the bar 48b and the lug 66 on the bar 48a. The relative location and dimensions of the co-operating parts effective in the serial or successive actuation of the switches is such that all of the circuits connected to one switch are energized or de-energized before the circuits connected to the next successive switch are energized or de-energized, whereby a plurality of circuits may be successively energized or de-energized in a predetermined sequence.

In Fig. 4 of the drawings I have illustrated a plurality of light sources 151, 152, 153, and 154 that are electrically connected to the terminals of an elongated tube 47 to be controlled thereby by a turning movement thereof. I have illustratedthe successive levels or'the upper surface of the fluid connector 57, when the tube 47 is given a turning movement in a counter clockwise direct-ion, by the broken lines indicated by the numerals 155, 156, 157, 158, and 159 respectively.

A supply circuit conductor 161 is connected to the first contact terminal 52, while the contact terminals 53, 54, 55, and 56 are connected to one terminal of the respective light sources. The other supply circuit conductor 162 is connected to the other side of the respective light sources hereinbefore mentioned. When the tube 47 is tilted farthest has been given a predetermined movement in a counter clockwise direction, the mercury level is indicated by the line 156. This establishes a connection between the contact terminals 52 and 53 and therefore energizes the light source 151. A further turning movement brings the mercury level to the line 157 and thereby energizes in addition the light sources 152. Further turning movement brings the mercury to the line 158, thereby energizing'the light sources 153, and in the final position the fluid level is indicated by the line 159 energizing the light sources 154 in addition to all the others.

In Fig. 5 of the drawings I have illustrated the use of an elongated tube switch in controlling the energization of a single light source through a resistor 163 that is provided with four spaced leads that are connected to the respective contact terminals 53, 54, 55, and 56 of the fluid connector switch. The

contact terminal 56 is connected to one end of the resistor 153 and also to one terminal of a light source 164, the other terminal of which is connected to a supply circuit conductor 162. IVhen the fluid level is indicated by the line 155 the light source 154 is fully deenergized. When the fluid level is indicated by the line 156 all of the resistance of the resistor 163 is connected in circuit with the light source 164. Further turning movement of the tube 47 so that the fluid level is indicated by the lines 157, 158, and 159 successively, cuts out one portion after the other of the resistor 163, thereby increasing the cur- 7 rent traversing the light source 164 and increasing the intensity of the light produced thereby. This allows of a greater load being carried by a switch, since the amount of the sudden rush of current makes a great difference in the carrying capacity of such a switch. It may be noted that in the above described operation the fluid connector switch Varies'the energy expended in an energytranslating device in a plurality of steps or by successive steps.

In In copending application Serial No. 684,162 filed January 3, 1924, I have disclosed a system of light and color play and have in dicated that it is possible to add entire light units to others already energized, while still tensity of illumination is increased by steps of least visible increments as the consecutive ortions of the resistor 163 are short circuited y the continued turnirig movement of the tube 47. The tube 47 illustrated in Fig. 5

of the drawings may therefore represent the uppermost tube of the switch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, that is being employed in controlling the illumination of an auditorium, the int-ensitybeing varied by steps of least visible increments.

The diagram of connections illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings may also represent a system in which the intensity of illumination is increased by steps of least visible increments by the successive additions of either an entire light unit or of a plurality thereof. In other words, the respective light sources 151, 152, 153, and 154 are so selected as to their respective intensities that the illumination provided thereby will be by steps of least visible incre ments. These least visible increments of illumination may be computed to be effective simultaneously in various sections of the auditorium, to make a reduction or an increase of illumination tmiversal, when such plan is desired. This may include stage, auditorium proper and street front as desired.

It the motor 46 is constructed as a direct current shunt wound motor it may be so energized as to operate at any predetermined speed, and itsoperation, effected by the means illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings, is under the direct volitional control of an operator. As the operator presses downwardly on the member 94 he increases the speed of the motor, that is, the greater the trol switch is closed.

pressure of the operators hand the greater the speed of the motor. In addition, the longer the motor is permitted to operate, the greater will be the the turning movement of the actuating shaft driven thereby and hence the greater will be the amount of turning movement of the successive plural contact fluid connector switches actuated by the actuating shaft, such is the high development of the mercury switch at the present dating that immense amounts of energy may be translated through such a switch mechanism by manual motion with perfect case without intervention of other motive force.

It may be desirable at times to move the plurality of switches to predetermined positions such, for instancfias illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, before the main line con- In such 'cases it is highly desirable to know how many light units will be energized, or What the intensity of illumination will be when the main line switch is closed, and the indicator on the disk 76 will give such information when the scale 77 is calibrated in light units or in intensity of illumination. The operator need only continue the energization of the driving motor until such time as the pointer 78 is opposite the proper number of light units on the scale 77 when he will effect de-energization of the motor and then effect the closing of the main line circuit breaker.

I have illustrated such a system in Fig. 7

of the drawings wherein supplycircuit coni ductors 165, 166, and 167 comprise a three- Wire system of supply of electric energy. A main line circuitbreaker 168 controls the energization of allot a plurality of light sources while a remote controlled circuit breaker 169 controls the energization of that color quantities. A second remote controlled circuit breaker 171 controls the energization of another portion of the light units that may be adapted to give a red light only. A third remote controlled circuit breaker 172 controls light'sources giving a white light only, while a fourth remote controlled breaker 178 controls light sources giving amber light only or any other desired spectral color. As noted above, the circuit breakers 168, 169, 171, 172, and 173 may all be remote controlled by an operator from a light console of the type disclosed and claimed in my co-pending application, Serial No. 684,162 filed J an. 3, 1924, while the circuit breakers themselves may be located at any suitable or desired point with reference to the plurality of light units which may be distributed as logical system in illumination requires in an auditorium. .1 have illustrated a panel board 174 with a plurality of fuses 175 and 176 for each of the subdivisions of the groups of light units and plural contact fluid connector switches such as hereinbefore described may be connected in circuit with the respective circuit breakers 169, 171, 172, and 173 in order to control the energization of the respective groups of .lamps, or the fluid connector switches may be connected in circuit with the respective subdivisions of light units, one of which is indicated by the numeral 177.

If it is desired to bring up the illumination of one of the groups of lamps, for instance,

that controlled by the circuit breaker 169, the operator need only cause the closing of the main breaker 168 and then of the breaker 169, after, which he may either turn the shaft by hand or energize the motor 46 and operate the same at any desired speed to effect an increase in the intensity of illumination in any desired timed sequence. He may stop the increase of illumination at any desired pointby de-energizing the motor, and may reduce the intensity by reversing the operation of the motor.

Should the operator desire to fully energize a predetermined number of light units, he may do so by etl ecting operation of the motor for a predetermined length of time until the indicator associated therewith shows that the fluid connector switches have been moved to such a point as will permitenergization of the desired number of light sources when the main circuit breaker is closed. Upon closing either the main circuit breaker or the secondary circuit breaker, the desired number of light sources will be fully energized.

It will be remembered that I have suggested the use of a plurality of supporting frames and of fluid connector switches, and I may employsuch a mechanism in connection with the four groups of lamps illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings. That is, one of the fluid connector switches may be connected in circuit with one of the subdivisions of the groups of lamps controlled by the breaker 169, a second fluid connector switch connected in circuit with one of the subdivisions of the group of lamps controlled by the breaker 171, and so on for the other two groups of lamps. As there are three or a multiple of three subdivis1ons in each group illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings, the three successively actuated fluid connector switches may be connected to control the energization of different subdivisions of the respective groups of light units.

Hence, any desired color of illumination mayv be obtained by the operator by controlling the operation of the respective breakers 169, 171, 172, and 173. As hereinbefore noted, a switch mechanism comprising respective pluralities of fluid connector switches is illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings, where however, only two such switches are illustrated.

It may become desirable to effect automatic control of the speed of the-actuating motor and Fig. 9 of the drawings illustrates schematicall y a means for effecting such control. The upper end of theshaft 21 illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings has an extension 178 thereon that carries a worm 179. A worm wheel 181 is engaged and actuated thereby and is mounted on a suitable shaft 182 which carries a pinion 183. A cam member 184 has its upper surface formed as a rack bar with teeth 185 that are in engagement with the pinion 183. The lower surface of the bar 184: is provided with a cam surface 186 of a predetermined shape. The cam member 184: moves in a supporting member 187, that may .be of channel form in lateral section and have a longitudinally extending slot 188 in the bottom portion thereof.

A two part lever 189 is pivotally mounted on the member 187 and has its outer end operatively engaging the motor speed controlling rheostat 95 illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings. An arm 191 extends from thelever 189 and carries a roller 192 that operatively engages the cam surface 186. A spring 193 ensures that the roller 192 will be pressed against and follow the cam surface and vary the position of the lever 189 relatively to the resistance 95 to vary the speed of the motor 46.

The above described automatic control other suitable or convenient location.

mechanism may be mounted on the top of the skeleton frame illustrated in Fig. 1, or in airiy s stated above the illustrated arrangement is schematic only and any equivalent mechanism, effective for the purpose described, may be employed.

It is evident that any desired time sequence of motor operation may be effected by providing a suitable cam surface and this provides an automatic counterpart of any predetermined choice of light succession for any purpose, whether conceived as a fine art or for the purposes of convenient utility, such as timing the number of seconds or minutes required for lowering or raising the lighting of a stage or auditorium.

Each cam surface would have its particular form of pattern in accordance with its use or the feeling it is meant to counterpart, previously determined on through the volitional choice of an operator. The controlling mechanism with or without the automatic element, may be made a part of any light player conso e.

Referring more particularly to the modification illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings, the operation thereof is substantially as follows :It is understood that the operation of the motor was terminated with the teeth of the pinion 132 still in mesh with the teeth of the gear wheel 119. The limit switch 139 prevents the operation of the motor in such direction as to cause a turning movement of the gear wheel 119 in a clockwise direction, as viewed from the right hand end of the shaft 107. The spaced terminal members 112 of the tube 108are in substantially the position indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 10 of the drawings, that is, they are disengaged from the connecting fluid 113 in the tube. Upon energization ofthe motor 128 the pinion 132 causes'a turning movement of the gear wheel 119 and of the tube 108 in a counter clockwise direction, and the left hand terminal member 112 first operatively en gages the connecting fluid 113. If this is connected to one supply circuit conductor, a circuit is established as soon as the second contact terminal operatively engages the connecting fluid. It is evident that the connectcally connected thereto. When the turning movement of the gear wheel 119 has-continued to such a degreethat the .pin 14 1 opera:- tively engagesthe member 145," the gear-wheel that the last tooth thereof is out of engagement with the pinion 132, after which no further turning movement of the gear wheel 119 can take place, and the latter is held in its normal operative position by the engagement of the pin 144 with the resilient holding member 148. In this position all of the spaced terminal members 112 are in engagement with the connecting fluid in the tube 108.

Further turning movement of the shaft 123 causes a corresponding turning movement of the gear wheel 121, and a successive energization of light sources connected to the respective terminal members extending into the tube 109. When the member 146 engages the member 147 the gear wheel 122 is given a turning movement that efiects the meshing thereof with the pinion 134. The gear wheel 122 is then permitted to remain in its normal operative position with the member 146 engaging the resilient member 149, further turning movement thereof being prevented by the lack of further teeth in the gear wheel 121.

The operation of the motor 128 may continue until the member 143 engages the limit switch 142, which efi'ects de-energization of the motor, with the teeth of .the pinion 134 and of the gear wheel 132 still in mesh, and with all of the annular switch tubes moved to their fully energized positions. As was hereinbefore stated in connection with the device illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, when the mechanism has been moved to one of its limiting positions the motor can be energized only to run in the opposite direction, and hence if all of the switches are in their fully energized position they may be moved only to a position that tie-energizes one or more of the light sources controlled thereby.

When the motor 128 is energized to run in the opposite direction to effect a turning movement of the switch tubes serially in clockwise direction as viewed from the right hand end of the shaft 107, the action of the various parts of the device is substantially similar but in a reverse sense. The in 147 operatively engages the pin which has been in engagement with the resilient holding member 149 and moves it and the gear wheel and annular tube in a clockwise direction until the teeth on the gear wheel 121 engage the teeth on the pinion 133, after which further turning movement of the gear wheel 121 and of the switch 109 associated therewith 1S effected by the pinion 133. The pin 14?! is held by the member 149 whereby the sw tch 111 is held in its normal inoperative position. The annular switch tubes are thus operated seriallv or successively until the tube 108 has been moved into its normal inoperative position when further turning movement is stopped by the de-energization of the motor 128 y reason of the actuation of the limit switch 139 by the pin 141. It is understood that the diagram of connections illustrated in Fig. 6 is employed with this form of device and that the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 9 is also applicable to it, such modifications being made as are necessary to adapt it to be operatively associated therewith.

The device embodying my invention thus provides a relatively simple and compact means for controlling the energization of a plurality of light sources, said means comprising a plurality of plural contact, fluid connector switches that are successively or serially actuated by a motor'that is under the volitional, manual control of an operator to effect any desired timed sequence of operation of the successive switches.

The-device embod 'ng my invention provides relatively simpl: means operatively associated with the actuating means for limiting the travel thereof in either direction of operation, and I further provide means for indicating the number of light sources energized at any time or for indlcating the inten sity of illumination corresponding to any predetermined position of the mechanism.

The device embodying my invention further provides a means for effecting automatically any predetermined sequence or progress of the energization or de-energization of a plurality of circuits or light sources, which means is actuated by the mechanism itself.

Such a timed sequence of illumination control may be used as a means of abstract and emotional expression. In this event the exercise of such choice as to make clear the purpose of any illumination succession, will require time, thought, and labor, and once determined on and embodied in a cam surface can be easily made available to many through such automatic mechanical patterns as have been used in the phonograph or the automatic piano for multiplying a conception once made. The cam pattern herein dis closed permits of efi'ecting repeated operations of the switch mechanisms also herein disclosed, according to a light-color sequence once determined upon as being the most fitting to accompany a parallel expression made siilnultaneously in another art, or for its own sa (e.

Various modifications may be made in the device embodying my invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof, and I desire that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art.

1 claim as my invention 2 1. In a switch mechanism for controlling the energization of a plurality of energytranslating devices, in combination, a plurality of pivotally mounted fluid connector mined turning movement of said switches in predetermined sequence.

3. In a switch mechanism, in combination, a plurality of fluid connector switches, means for actuating said switches serially, and means on certain of said switches for initiating the actuation of a succeeding switch.

4. In a switch mechanism, in combination, a plurality of fluid connector switches, each having a turning movement, a single hand controlled means for efiecting the successive actuation of said switches, and resilient means for holding said switches in their limiting positions.

, 5. In a switch mechanism, in combination, a plurality of fluid connector switches manually controlled, reversible means for actuating said switches serially to their full-on or full-ofi' positions, and means operatively connected to and actuated by said switch-actuating means for limiting the connections of said switch-actuating means.

6. The method of controlling by a single means the actuation of a plural number of serially aligned switches which include the mechanical initiating of action of a switch through motion translated to it by motion of the switch unit immediately preceding it.

7. In a switch mechanism, in combination, a plurality of switches, each comprislng a closed tube, a plurality of spaced alined contact terminals extending into said tube, and a fluid connector therein, and a single manually controlled means operatively associated with said switches for actuating them serially.

8. In a switch mechanism, in combination, a plurality of switches, each comprising a closed tube of electric-insulating material, a plurality of spaced alined contact terminals extending into said tube, and a fluid connector therein, means for operating said switches secombination a plurality of fluid connector In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

MARY HALLOCK GREENEWALT.

ria-lly, and a single manually controlled means 7 p for actuating said switch-operating means.

9. In a switch mechanism, in combination, a plurality of switches, each comprising a; closed tube of electric-insulating material, a plurality of spaced alined contact terminals extending into said tube, and a fluid connector therein, means for eflecting a turning movement of said switches serially, and a single manually controlled means for actuating said switch-operating means.

10. In a current translating mechanism in 

